Grandparents

Grandparents will  be deeply affected by the death of their grandchild, and by their son's or daughter's distress. They, too, will need to grieve.

When a grandparent dies, it is usually the first experience children will have of a death. When the relationship with the grandparent has been a close one, the children will experience longing for someone who doesn't return. They will see their parents grieving and notice at first hand how consuming grief can be.

It is important to recognise the role that the grandparent has had in the child's life. It's logical to appreciate that the loss and separation will be much greater if they have been their main carer but sometimes we do not appreciate the place the child has found for them in their inner world.